Hakesher Magazine - May 2020

Chabad of Binghamton

‫בס’’ד‬

‫הקשר‬ MAY 2020 | sivan 5780

the connection

Graduation2020

Seniors SpeakPage 13

Community. Education. Inspiration.

A word fROM THE DIReCTORs Executive Director Rabbi Aaron Slonim Associate Director Mrs. Rivkah Slonim Education and Ritual Rabbi Zalman & Rochel Chein Chabad Downtown and Development Rabbi Levi & Hadasa Slonim Programming and Engagement Rabbi Yisroel and Goldie Ohana President Mr. Michael Wright Vice President Mr. Al Lavker Women’s League Chairperson Mrs. Paula Rubin Board Members Mr. Charles Gilinsky Dr. Chaim Joy Mr. Alan Piaker Solomon Polachek Ph.D. Dr. Charles Rubin Mr. Brian Savitch Mrs. Susan Walker Dr. Mark Walker Founding Board Members Mr. Abe L. Piaker OBM Prof. Philip M. Piaker OBM Dr. Barrett J. Raff OBM The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University 420 Murray Hill Rd. • Vestal, NY 13850 607-797-0015 info@chabadofbinghamton.com

www.JewishBU.com May 2020, Volume 10, Issue 4 Hakesher is published four times a year; September, December, March and May by Chabad of Binghamton, 420 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal, NY 13850. Postage paid at Newark, NJ post offices.

Volume 10, Issue 4

Published by Chabad of Binghamton

Dear Friend, Questions, conjecture, arguments and counterarguments abound. All of us are straining to see the future, hear a solid plan, and regain the control we thought we always had. And yet, the rational side of us knows we can’t really hope for that any time soon. We can try, and do our best, but no one knows for sure what the other side will look like. The “pause” this virus has put on our lives was necessary and unavoidable but how we use this time, and how we go forward is distinctly our choice. It’s easy to give in to a type of laziness, a holding pattern, a fear that spawns paralysis by analysis; there are certainly enough factors to feed each one of those modalities.

And yet, a cursory survey of Jewish history yields a distinctive counter approach.

We are, after all, Bnai Yisroel, the children of Yisroel, a name etymologically rooted in struggle, specifically overcoming struggle. We are no strangers to hardship, to fear; to confronting the unknown.

Just a few days after leaving Egypt, we once again found ourselves in constraints; from behind were the Egyptians intent on destroying us, and before us lay the sea.

The Jews were fractured in their response; one group wanted to do battle with the Egyptians, one wanted to submit and return to Egypt, a third wanted to commit national suicide by throwing themselves into the sea and a fourth simply wanted to lose themselves in prayer. Va’yisau - let them travel forward, came G-d’s reply. No matter how impossible the situation appears, forge ahead.

This does not mean abandoning responsibility; we must abide by regulations and employ common sense. But that is hardly enough. We must employ an “infinity mindset”; ditching survival mode for re-inventive mode and coming out on the other side not only intact but much stronger. We can and must find creative ways to split the sea, to achieve the miraculous, and I am confident that we will.

We wish all of our friends good health and only good tidings in this uncertain time.

To our graduates: we recognize the ways in which you have been robbed of the rites and celebrations that would conventionally mark this time in your life. It’s a hard time to begin almost any graduate program and certainly to find a job. But remember: Va’yisau! We have faith that you can and will travel forward to your next step with strength and joy.

It’s never goodbye at Chabad. Along with the Cheins, Slonims and Ohanas, we say L’hitraot; we will miss you greatly. But we watch you leave with great pride and anticipate the wonderful ways in which you will make your mark on the world that awaits you.

N’hiye B’kesher, let’s stay connected and in touch!

Contact us at: Hakesher@JewishBU.com Editor

Staff Writer Proofreading

Design & Printing

Photo Credits

Rivkah Slonim Alan Zeitlin Marlene Serkin, Chaya M. Slonim The Printhouse Jonathan Cohen Rosalie Coschignano Danielle Kinches Goldie Ohana Levi Slonim Randi Traison

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Hakesher Dedication

This magazine is dedicated in loving memory of

Dovid ben Yitzchak Meir Zenilman

on the occasion of his 27th Yahrtzeit Dr. Michael and Marilyn Zenilman and their children — Jeremy ‘06, Elliot ‘09 (and Karen), Daniel ‘09 (and Erin), Ariela ‘11 (and Jeremy) , Joshua, Dodi ‘15, Avital, Shoshana and Miriam For information about dedication opportunities please visit www.JewishBU.com/Hakesher

Based on the teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe of righteous memory

torah for today

How to Have

By Rabbi Yanki Tauber

What do you have? And what makes it yours?

Look around you and make a mental list of the things that are “yours”: your husband or wife; your children; your home; your job; your knowledge; your car; your socks; your friends; your reputation; your magazine subscriptions...

These things differ greatly from each other. They differ also in the meaning of the word “your” as applied to them.

But they are all, in some sense, yours. How did you come to possess them?

Certain things you earned. You paid for them with cash, toil and derring-do. Perhaps these are the things from which you derive your deepest sense of accomplishment. You are invested in them. You have achieved them.

Certain things were given to you. A brand new car that is a gift from your parents. A wise man you met somewhere taught you something you would never have figured out on your own. Someone loves you, generously, more than you deserve to be loved. Perhaps these are the things that you desire most of all. After all, you could never have achieved them on your own. They are beyond you; they belong to a reality greater than yourself. Being gifted these things means that you have transcended your limitations.

Finally, certain things are yours because they are inherently, intrinsically, yours. They are your birthright, your inheritance. You did nothing to earn them and no one gave them to you: you posses them by virtue of who and what you are. Your soul. Your mind. Your inborn talents. Your homeland. Your traditions.

Perhaps these things do not afford you the depth of fulfillment you get from the things you earn. Perhaps you do not experience the intensity of desire and striving for them evoked by the “gifts” of life. But these are more yours than

anything else you possess.

Your earning power will fluctuate as you traverse the rises and dips of life, as you grow or diminish in strength, mental proficiency and spiritual sensitivity. The gifts you receive will always depend on forces beyond your control. But the things that are inherently yours will be yours in all circumstances and under all conditions. Even if you reject them and disavow them, they will remain ever, irrevocably yours.

On the sixth day of the Hebrew month of Sivan in the year 2448 from creation (1313 BCE), the newborn nation of Israel assembled at the foot of Mount Sinai to receive the Torah from G-d. Ever since, the event is referred to in the language of our sages as the “Giving of the Torah.” Indeed, the Torah calls itself our “gift from the desert” (Numbers 21:18).

The Torah, however, also describes itself as Israel’s “acquisition” (Proverbs 4:2), as well as “the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob” (Deuteronomy 33:4).

So which is it — gift, acquisition or inheritance?

The Torah is an acquisition for which we must struggle and toil, which becomes ours through diligent study and meticulous observance. As such, we experience the deep sense of fulfillment that only a fully-earned achievement can bring.

The Torah is a divine gift, for its wisdom is above and beyond anything our finite selves could attain. As such, it wakens our most transcendent strivings, elevating us above our temporality and mortality, making of us infinitely more than we are on our own.

And the Torah is our inheritance, our birthright. As such it is always ours. Even when we do not earn it. Even when we close ourselves to the gift of it being bestowed upon us from above. For it is of a piece with our essence.

Rabbi Yanki Tauber is a noted scholar and author.

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The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton mourns the loss of: Rabbi Mordechai Chein

beloved, and greatly respected member of the Crown Heights community, father of

Rabbi Zalman Chein

Director of Education and Ritual

Idan Greenstein ‘20

Everyone's friend, go-to guy, and Chabad mover and shaker.

Mr. Richard Frankel dedicated and longtime member of the Chabad Executive Board

Mrs. Pamela Lavker beloved wife of Chabad's Vice President, Mr. Al Lavker

May their families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

JacobGoodman '21

studentspotlight

Covid Virus Spawns Disruptive Innovation M

ost faculty members posing a tough weekend challenge might not hold their breath. But Junior Jacob Goodman delivered the results when given just a few days to create a prototype of a ventilator. For Goodman, 21, the Covid-19 crisis hit home. He grew up in New Rochelle, the first New York State area to become a hot zone.

Goodman, who is one of the students in BU’s Innovations Scholar Program, was confident in his abilities.

“I’d made more difficult things before,” he said, including a CO2 laser and coil guns.

“I’m kind of a big nerd,” he said. “Once I got the 3-D printer cranking I knew I could build a good prototype. I took it as a challenge and I was happy they challenged me,” he said. “These are obviously very challenging times for everyone and I pray for those that have lost loved ones to be comforted.”

At Walmart, he picked up a lunchbox, a water bottle and another water bottle with a vinyl tube.

He had a few other components in his dorm room.

Goodman said the faculty who run the program, Vice Provost James Pitarresi and Dean Dillon of the School of Management were impressed; he was the only one in the lab who took them up on their challenge. He could not test the first prototype on a patient, of course, but he is currently in Binghamton working on the second prototype which will include automation pressure and censor controlled breathing.

He is looking to collaborate with doctors with an eye towards making it more functional by including additional features.

Ventilators became a bit of a political football between New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo who claimed there were not enough and President Trump who said it was up to governors to get their own.

Alan Zeitlin teaches English and Journalism at a Brooklyn public high school. As a freelance writer for the past 11 years, his articles have appeared in The Jewish Week, The Journal News and other publications.

By Alan Zeitlin ‘00

Goodman’s model could obviate future crises due to limited supply. It is distinctive in that it is currently comprised of ten parts while the common ventilator has a few thousand components.

“A lot of the features in a ventilator are used by less than one percent of all patients. A streamlined model would make it simpler and cheaper to produce,” explained Goodman. In other words, it would revolutionize the market. “My model won’t be ready to help in the current Covid crisis but it has potential to help many, many people in the future.

The mission of the Innovations Scholar Program is to attract the next generation of dreamers and doers by joining creatives, engineers, scientists and business specialists. In addition, it engages diverse thought leaders from academia and industry to facilitate disruptive innovation.

Its members are currently discussing the challenges of opening the campus for Fall 2020.

“I don’t think any decision will be made until very close to the next semester, “ Goodman mused.

MAY 2020 | 5

ALUMNIspotlight

Sibs All In The Medical Fight Against Covid-19

By Alan Zeitlin ‘00

While training to become an osteopath, Dr. Rachelle Noorparver Schwarz, remembers being taught that during the Spanish Flu of 1918, osteopaths were able to put patients in specific positions that yielded positive results. At the time, the possibility of a pandemic was the farthest thing from her mind. Fast forward to mid March 2020 at the Hackensack Medical Center where she works.

“At first we thought they had the flu,” she said. “I do inpatient and outpatients and there was a younger woman who had pneumonia in February and she came back in March and still had symptoms. I was saying to myself that I wish I had a mask, and also that we were probably dealing with something different.”

Schwarz said she is able to maintain her composure by focusing on the task; tears, if they flow will have to wait till later on when she leaves work. “It’s super scary, because it’s something

we’ve never dealt with before,” she said. She has seen patients recover and she has seen patients die.

“You do your best to stay on top of things,” she said.

“We are constantly learning. I know with my older patients they are at risk of dying so there’s a lot of adrenaline to get through it. It’s very intense.”

She said she focuses on the details of putting on scrubs and protective gear which includes an N95 mask and a face shield. The 35-year-old who dated her now husband partly through Chabad, said she appreciates his sense of humor. She’s considered staying at hotels or even Airbnb’s so as not to possibly infect her husband or 1-year-old child.

Schwarz has a family dedicated to helping others. Her brother, Dr. Elan Noorparver works in Pittsburgh while her sister, Ariel, is a nurse there.

While they have seen fewer cases than the tristate area, Nooparver said one of the frightening things is the amount of unknowns. While he does

Left to right is Bennett '06, MA '08 and Rachelle (Noorparver) '06 Schwarz, Ariel Noorparvar '16, Lauren (Roditi) '10 and Elan '09 Noorparvar

Alan Zeitlin teaches English and Journalism at a Brooklyn public high school. As a freelance writer for the past 11 years, his articles have appeared in The Jewish Week, The Journal News and other publications.

MAY 2020 | 7

“I do think it’s important to look ahead and see there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.” not begrudge the right of people to make a living, allowing things to resume as normal could flood hospitals and result in large numbers of deaths.

“I think when we looked at Wuhan nobody realized how severe the virus could be and the degree of havoc it could wreak,” he said. The internal medicine doctor says he comes to work with the same rationale each day.

“You have to do what you have to,” said the internal medicine doctor. “You take all the precautions you can, but you don’t make yourself crazy from a package in the mail.”

Noorparver said the governor was smart to restrict travel early on and despite the CDC saying masks were not needed, he took precautions.

“I think it was after Purim at Costco and I was the only one wearing a mask,” he recalled. “Now, it’s mandated.”

“We like to compare things and say, well, Anne Frank was there for years and we may only be asked to do it a couple of months,” he said “I don’t think comparisons are helpful. I do think it’s important to look ahead and see there will be a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Ariel, 26 is a nurse at UPMC Mercy in Pittsburgh. She said many patients get hung up on one symptom and are convinced that they had COVID-19. Noorparver is reluctant to call herself a hero, even though she is risking her life to save others.

“It’s my job,” she said. “I don’t think I’m a hero. I’ve wanted to be a doctor since I was five.

Maybe it’s a Persian thing that I knew it would be a good job. But yeah, there’s nothing better than helping save lives. Does this pandemic mean there is a higher level of danger than we might have thought when we signed up? Yes. But there’s also a possibility of reaching greater heights.”

For these three siblings who graduated from Binghamton University, helping others is all in the family.

alumni Purim Hour in the City 2020

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ALUMNI NEWS

Mazel Tovs ‘90 Shoshana Gross and Sandy Bodzin celebrated the marriage of their son, Avi to Chana Ross, on January 5, 2020.

‘93 Caroline (Schanzer) and David Kinzelberg celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Nathaniel, Naftali Ozer, Shabbat Parashat Beshalach, February 2, 2020.

‘98 Beth (Applebome) and Avi Cohen celebrated the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Joseph Eli, Yosef Eliyahu, on December 14, 2019, 16 Kislev 5780.

Sarah and Michael Diamond celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sophie Noa, on Sunday, February 16, 2020.

‘99 Michael and Sarah Diamond celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Sophie Noa. See ’98 for complete details.

‘01 Florrie and Barry Huppert celebrated the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Beatrice Pearl on January 4th, 2020.

‘03 Andrew Flug announces his engagement to Adie Kriegstein. Andrew is the Chief Operating Officer of a Hedge Fund; Adie works in real estate.

‘05 Oren and Sadaf Kashi announce the birth of their daughter, Maytal Chana, on January 30, 2020. She was welcomed home by older siblings, Yishai Menashe and Sivan.

‘07 Baruch and Shana Spier announce the birth of their son, Noah Aviv, on April 13. He was welcomed home by big brother Judah.

Jordana (Aronovitz) and Noah Gorsky announce the birth of their son, Shai Eden, Shai Moshe, on April 25, 2020. He was welcomed home by big brother, Leo.

‘08 Yael (Notkin) and Robert Kadar announce the birth of their daughter, Eleanor (Ella) Jade on September 25, 2019.

Shira (Segev) and Elahd Bar Shai announce the birth of their son, Eitan Asher, on February 7, 2020.

‘09 Hannah (Schacht) and Michael Lefkovitz announce the birth of their son, Noam Aryeh, on April 5th, 2020. He was welcomed home by big brothers, Yoni and Avi.

Sara and Avi Strum announce the birth of their daughter, Atara Pnina Hadassah, on March 15, 2020. She was welcomed home by big brothers, Yaron, Itai, Nitzan.

Daniel and Erin Zenilman announce the birth of their daughter, Vivien Dorit, on November 1, 2019.

‘10 Michael and Hannah (Schacht) Lefkovitz announce the birth of their son, Noam Aryeh. See ‘09 for complete details.

Saryah and Lucy (Schwartz) Sober announce the birth of their son, Daniel Morris, Daniel Moshe, on December 23, 2019.

Ellen( Klein) and Jason Wirchin announce the birth of their daughter, Hannah Beth, Hadassah Batya, on April 23, 2020.

‘11 Esther and Josh Khakshoor announce the birth of their daughter, Ava (Avia in Hebrew) Maayan. On May 8th, 2020.

Matthew Block announces his engagement to Alison Goldsmith.

Matthew is in finance; Alison is an attorney. They plan to make their home in NYC. Elahd and Shira (Segev) Bar Shai announce the birth of their son, Eitan Asher. See ’08 for complete details.

‘12 Jacob and Rachel Decter announce the birth of their daughter, Rebecca Anna, on December 19, 2019.

Alexandra (Abel) and David Segal announce the birth of their son, Ezra Yehudah, on January 11, 2020.

Rachel (Graff) and Elliot Levine announce the birth of their son, Yosef Yitzchok, on May 18, 2020. He was welcomed home by big sister, Nechama.

‘13 Ben Khakshoor was married to Limor Khalili on April 6, 2020. Ben works for Rosewood Realty Group doing in commercial real estate;

Limor is a PA at Queens Hospital. They make their home in NYC.

Samantha (Greenstein) and Oren Rasekh announce the birth of their daughter, Galit Rachel, on February 12, 2020.

Jessica (Wasserman) and Avi Alboher announce the birth of their son, Samuel Max, Shmuel Maor, on March 20, 2020.

Aimee (Steimetz) and Elan Loshinsky announce the birth of their daughter Nava Tzvia Ruth, on May 14, 2020. She was welcomed home by big brothers, Eyal and Ari.

‘14 Devorah and David Petrover announce the birth of their son, Leor Matthew, Lior Matisyahu, on December 4, 2019.

Charles Saad announces his engagement to Ilana Bandler; a May 2021 wedding is planned. Charles is an attorney with Kirkland and Ellis.

Lucy (Schwartz) and Saryah Sober announce the birth of their son. See ’10 for complete details.

Roshana Sirkin announces her engagement to Steven Saunders; a May 2021 wedding is planned. Roshana is a Neurosurgery Physician Assistant at Mount Sinai, Steven is an Internal Medicine resident at Long Island Jewish/ North Shore Hospital. They will make their home in the NYC area.

‘15 Jonathon Michael Reiser announces his engagement to Valerie Protass; a June 12, 2021 wedding is planned. Jonathan is currently pursuing his MBA at SC Johnson Graduate School of Management at Cornell University; Valerie is a preschool teacher at the Cornell University Childcare Center; they will make their home in Ithaca, NY.

Daniel Rabban announces his engagement to Sabrina Popilevsky.

Daniel works for CBRE Realty and Sabrina is completing her degree at Hofstra Law School. They will make their home on long Island.

‘16 Valerie Protass announces her engagement to Jon Reiser; see ’15 for complete details.

Ilana Bandler announces her engagement to Charles Saad; see ’14 for complete details.

‘18 Gilad Greenstein (MA ’19) announces his engagement to Brianna Perris; a November 25, 2020 wedding is planned. Gilad is a Systems Integrator at Facebook; Brianna is a chemistry PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh. They will make their home in Pittsburgh, PA. ‘19 Brianna Perris announces her engagement to Gilad Greenstein; see ’18 for complete details.

Kaila Kaner announces her engagement to Jonny Nulman; an August 20, 2020 wedding is planned. Kaila is a teacher at Success Academy Charter Schools; Jonny is an accountant at Hill Path Capital. They will make their home in the NY area.

Sympathies

Chabad mourns the passing of...

Janice Teitelbaum, on April 13, 2020, mother of Bruce Teitelbaum ’86 Dion Hoff, on January 12, 2020, father of Eliot ’91 and Robert ‘95 Hoff Melvyn Meyer Reiss, on December 23, 2019, father of Elie Reiss ‘03 Pesach Kuchlick, on April 2, 2020, father of Gavriella (Kuchlick) Lechner '10 Stanley Tannenbaum, on April 12, 2020, father of Alex Tannenbaum ‘15 Moises Miller, on April 9, 2020, father of Elias Miller ’18 and ’24.

May the families be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.

For up to date Chabad Alumni news, visit:

www.facebook.com/ChabadBUAlumni MAY 2020 | 9

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The Children of Chai Lifeline are grateful to the many super-extraordinary people at

The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life Sigma Alpha Epsilon Sigma Delta Tau and especially to Rabbi Levi Slonim and the entire crew at

BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY for buying over $31,135.10 worth of toys and being our amazing Chanukah Angels.

We love the toys, games, and gifts.

But we are blown away by the caring and compassion that led you to make sure our Chanukahs were super bright this year.

MAY 2020 | 11

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A special Hakesher Graduation Feature

Seniors

Speak

Out rs the a e y 4 r Afte t all! i w o n k es e graduat es to shar at our gradu d d e k s a e s and har W g n li e e f , s ght their thou isdom. earned w

Kimberly Alweiss

Major: Finance and MIS Risk Assurance FUTURE PLANS: Associate at PwC

Daniela Benzaquen

Major: Human Development FUTURE PLANS: Touro College of Dental Medicine

Elliot Beretz

Major: Finance and Management Information Systems FUTURE PLANS: Advisory at Deloitte

The Graduates

Allison Adler

Major: Art & Design with a concentration in painting FUTURE PLANS: Accelerated Nursing Program at Drexel University

MAY 2020 | 13

seniorsspeakout

A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE

Shirley Bessalely

Major: MBA, BS in Finance and MIS FUTURE PLANS: Advisory at KPMG

Evan Blumenthal

Major: Psychology Minor: Education FUTURE PLANS: Earning an MA in ABA at Hunter College

Please describe how your four years in Binghamton have impacted your Jewish identity and feeling of connection to the Jewish community and how Chabad was involved in that process.

Ben Brooks

Major: Finance FUTURE PLANS: Financial Analyst at Houlihan Lokey Investment Bank

Binghamton has shaped so much of my identity, and Chabad is responsible for so much of who I became.

I don't want to sound like a broken record when I say that Chabad is family, Chabad is home, but it rings true over and over. When I left Binghamton, Chabad was what I had to say goodbye to; Chabad, I could not leave.

I am who I am now because of Chabad's relentless values of welcome, warmth, and comfort, in both good and bad times. Wherever we go, wherever we are, Chabad reaches out. They have shown me: this is what it means to be a Jew. And, this is what it means to be a Binghamton alum. RH When I first came to Binghamton I made it my mission to be involved in Jewish leadership and campus engagement. My first Shabbat on campus, I came to Friday night dinner at Chabad and immediately found opportunities for both. I spent my first year on Chabad G-Board, and culminated my college experience learning Torah with Rivky. During my second year, I had the honor of sharing my personal story at Fashion for A Cure, and knew from that day forward Chabad would hold a special place in my heart. HL Before attending Binghamton, I did not have

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Kevin Brown

Major: Biology FUTURE PLANS: Law School

a strong connection with my Jewish faith. The extent of my involvement with the temple was an occasional visit on the holidays as per my family’s request. As a freshman at BU, I made friends who introduced me to Chabad and I began attending Shabbat dinners. Four years later, I am incredibly sad to be parting with the place that has given me so much. Chabad has provided me with a place to gather with people who care about me and share my interests. Chabad fosters an environment wherein any Jewish student can feel comfortable and happy being themselves. It was a privilege to be involved in such an amazing, impactful organization. JK I transferred here after spending three semesters in Yeshiva University. It was difficult starting from scratch, but I knew I was making the right decision to switch schools. I chose Binghamton because my parents went here, it’s a fantastic school, and most importantly because of Chabad. I left Y.U. because the dual curriculum was wearing me out and I wanted to pursue a major in the arts. Here, I found a renewed joy in my Yiddishkeit. I was welcomed with open arms and was told to take things at my own pace. At Chabad I found a

Alexa Caridi

Major: Accounting FUTURE PLANS: Masters in Accounting

group of friends who I can’t imagine life without, and I can honestly say that these past two (soon to be - and a half) years are some of the fondest of my life. ER Chabad has played a central role in my Jewish life at Binghamton. Having a warm and inclusive Jewish environment to always turn to was so comforting, and really strengthened my appreciation for the Jewish community. In the midst of classes, schoolwork and secular college life, it kept me grounded to have a place where I can express my Judaism, whether it was on Shabbos or during the weekly events. I am beyond thankful for Chabad at Binghamton and the amazing people I have met there and the experiences I have had. AS I came to Binghamton University fresh out of Yeshivah. It was a shock to the system to say the least.

Almost every face was new, and I was in an entirely different environment. But Chabad was there for me from day one. I quickly developed relationships with friends and Chabad staff. I realized that my entire essence and identity as a student was with Chabad, and it truly became my home. I am lucky to have taken on various leadership positions; as I did not merely maintain my connection to

Judaism but took it to new heights that I could have never anticipated. Words do not do justice to display my appreciation for what Chabad has done for me over the years, and I am eternally grateful. DJ Throughout the past four years I have formed a stronger connection to my Jewish identity all because of the Chabad. Having a place to go without being judged for how observant/not observant you are is very important to me because it has allowed me to learn more about Judaism in a comfortable environment. I have been able to participate in a number of events through the Chabad that has strengthened my connection to the Jewish community. My sorority, Sigma Delta Tau, has worked closely with the Chabad in multiple charity events to benefit various organizations. Because of my close relationship with the Chabad, I was able to run Fashion For A Cure this year and accomplish our goal of raising $18,000 for Sharsheret. We have also created a number of events that allow members to get involved with the Chabad and grow their understanding and connection such as Shabbat lunches, Challah bakes, etc.

AC One of the main reasons I chose to come to Binghamton was because I had heard of its vibrant Jewish community. I can truly thank Chabad for so many of the most significant friendships and memories I've made during my four years here at Binghamton. I will always remember the conversations I had at Shabbat meals, taking goofy pictures with friends at Chabad Formal, laughing with fellow cast-members at

the mock wedding, ordering my favorite meal of the week at Deli, and so much more.

Chabad at Binghamton contributed to my college experience in so many ways, both religiously and socially, and those special moments will be with me forever. JL For me, Chabad provided a place to sustain and continue my religious growth during my formative college years. Chabad provided me with a warm place to have minyanim three times a day, have chavrutot with staff members, and incredible programming directed towards religious growth. I am extremely grateful that Chabad was a place to call home during my three years as a student. JE Chabad of Binghamton has served as a place where I can express my Judaism and give back to the Jewish community. It has been a sanctuary when I needed reprieve from stress, and a source of excitement when life gets boring. Being able to grow both as a person and in my Judaism has been an incredible opportunity, and having the privilege of getting to know the amazing Chabad staff has been a highlight of my college career. Whether near or far, Chabad will always be a second home and a source of inspiration.

SO Chabad at Binghamton has given me more than just a "Jewish experience".

It is a home, where you are cared for, educated, grown, nourished, and thought of.

They treat each of us like their children, take great care in knowing us, in inviting us into their house of respect and wisdom. My four years with Chabad have shaped what my Jewish identity means to me - a life, and a

privilege, of learning. I thank Chabad for truly giving me a home, from the beautifully adorned Shabbat tables to the teaching of neshama though Sinai Scholars. HG From Friday night dinners, to Tuesday Deli, to random events-Chabad continuously opened their doors for me and introduced me to amazing individuals that helped me grow and learn more about myself. Chabad has played a large role in my life at Binghamton. I always felt like I had a second home at Chabad and as cliche as that sounds, that is a very important and reassuring factor for students, especially freshman. I never felt lost at Binghamton because if I ever had a question, I would never hesitate to reach out to the staff at Chabad.

People always talk about how great the chabad is at Binghamton but no words will ever truly capture its greatness. BV Becoming a part of the Binghamton Chabad community has been such a positive addition to my college experience.

Downtown shabbat, events at the on campus Chabad center, and everything else that comes with being involved in this amazing community has made me feel so welcome and at home. I couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to guide me through college.

JL My Binghamton University experience is intertwined with Chabad.

Before Binghamton I was the beneficiary of other people planning and preparing for events. Through Chabad, I took on a role of being the person who helps prepare for events. It taught me how important community

events are and how crucial it is to be an active member of the Jewish community.

Because of my involvement, many of my closest friends are people I have met through Chabad. Because of how much I was involved and how many friends I made through Chabad, Chabad has become the first thing I think of when looking back at the last four years. EB I came to Binghamton three years ago after spending my gap year in Israel. Chabad was a great place to connect with the Jewish community and meet so many amazing people.

Through Chabad events I was able to meet so many great friends that I will have for the rest of my life. The Shabbos experiences were amazing and really made me feel like I had a home away from home. I just want to say thank you to all the Rabbis and Rabbetzins for making my experience so meaningful. Binghamton's Chabad Center is really an amazing place. BB From the outside, it’s really hard to truly understand how vast, dynamic, and strong the community here really is.

Chabad and the broader Jewish community here really touch every part of student life from professional schools, to clubs, athletics, Greek life, the Student Association, and so much more. I feel so fortunate to have been able to take advantage of opportunities in so many corners of these institutions.

Beyond engagement, I’ve cherished having been able to grow my Jewish identity through classes, chevrusas, minyan, holidays, and E-Board. My time at Binghamton has been Continued on Page 18 MAY 2020 | 15

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A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE

Josh Eagle

Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management FUTURE PLANS: Retail Supply Chain Management

Rebecca Harris

Major: Religious Studies FUTURE PLANS: Medical School

Jared Fuller

Major: Industrial Systems Engineering

Hannah Emanuelle Gulko

Majors: Biology and Human Development FUTURE PLANS: Health care provider with specialty in Pediatric Oncology

Daniel Jacobson

Major: Economics FUTURE PLANS: Work and then get an MBA

Sam Kahn

Major: Judaic Studies FUTURE PLANS: MA in Social Work

Benjamin Gurvitch

Emma Hakimian

Major: Political Science, Minor: Judaic Studies FUTURE PLANS: Litigation Legal Assistant and then law school

Major:Human Development FUTURE PLANS: MA in Speech Pathology

Madelyn P Kapelus

Jacob Kaufman

Major: BS in Biology FUTURE PLANS: Nursing

Major: MBA

Chabad is... an eden of warmth, the hearth of teaching. HG my family. HL, GS, EH, JK a second/home/home away from home. JF, EB, DB, EB, SZ, AA a safe space. ER, EL

the center of everything in Binghamton. GS

Matt Khanyan

16 | hakesher magazine

BS community. AS where I get to see all my friends that I haven't seen all week. DB

fun. MK, JK

Major: Economics FUTURE PLANS: Touro College of Dental Medicine

unbelievably supportive.

light. LF

where I made some of my best friends for life. ER, MK

the home of the finest kosher food establishment

in the Southern Tier, The Metropolis Deli, on Tuesday Nights. EB

a place you can always count on if you ever need a resource or any kind of support. BS religious stability. JE

Julia Kolodny

Major: Psychology/ ABA FUTURE PLANS: PsyD in School-Community Psychology at Hofstra University

the most relaxing way to end the week! EL a place that will never turn you down or make you feel unwanted. BV a family with open arms; a very special place to me.

JL a lifeline and great resource. MW feeling welcomed. BG amazing. BB many l’chaims. JR

person feel individually special, inspiration and Jewish pride, somewhere to not only embrace your Jewish identity but to grow into the person you want to be...one you never imagined you could become. SZ a home away from home where amazing memories and friendships are made.

SB a place where everyone can find their people. YM

warmth, love and care, a place that makes each

Emily Lahm

Major: Human Development

Jordan Levine

consistency. RN wonderful. KA

Major: Human Development Minor: Education FUTURE PLANS: Working in HR at Starr insurance companies in NYC

Hannah Loffman

Major: Human Development FUTURE PLANS: Graduate school for Social Work

My favorite/most meaningful /most important Jewish experience at Binghamton University was…

The most important lesson I learned in college is ...

I am resilient, and no matter how hard I am knocked down I will always pick myself back up. HL plan ahead and take risks. ER sometimes G-d has other plans for you, but it’s always for the best. DB

being on the Chabad Education Committee. ER organizing the Menorah parade and hearing all of the feedback afterwards. GS

you never know someone’s life story, so make sure you don’t judge someone by how they appear. JL

working the Metropolis Deli was the highlight of my week for years. EB, MW

never be afraid to ask for help or questions. Often people love to help and there is no harm in asking. MW

being in Kaskeset. DB

that hard work does pay off. BG

The Binghamton Legacy Torah dedication. It was an incredible event in which hundreds of Jews were able to escort a brand new Sefer Torah across the campus. It was extremely inspiring to see the extended Jewish community come and celebrate such a special occasion. JE Purim with Dougies! BV

the importance of time management. EB take advantage of as many events, gatherings and leadership opportunities because you never know what it will lead to...and you usually end up grateful for them. JR you are never too busy. AA to never let fear stop you from doing something because the outcome is always greater than the fear was. YM

Shabbat 1800. JK setting up weekly for downtown Shabbat. JL

there is no such thing as “free pizza.” KA

the Women's Shabbat every year! EL

The most important lesson I learned from my parents is...

checking the Eruv and being on the Eruv committee.

BB Shabbat dinners. EH celebrating Simchat Torah with the whole community by singing and dancing around campus. JR GNO is probably one of the best events Chabad holds because it's fun and also relaxing. AA learning about strong Jewish women in the torah with Rivky. YM Yom Kippur. Throughout the day, Rabbi Chein speaks about each prayer, and it gives meaning and life to the words. I feel deeply connected and ever more introspective. RN

it's ok to ask for help. HL get done what needs to get done. MK olam chessed yiboneh; we will build this world on love and kindness. GS to appreciate what you have rather than wanting something you don’t have. JL the value of hard work. MW to treat others the way you would want to be treated. BG

Sinai Scholars and going on a Shabbaton. AC

to do whatever makes you happy. LF

participating in the Jewish Greek Council. JK

to work hard. JK

Eliana Loeb

Major: History FUTURE PLANS: College of Nursing and Health Professions at Drexel University

Julia Lustig

Majors: English & Judaic Studies FUTURE PLANS: Working at the Shefa School in Manhattan

Yakira Markovich

Major: Integrative Neuroscience FUTURE PLANS: Dental School

Rebecca Nussbaum

Major: Finance and Marketing FUTURE PLANS: Consulting at Deloitte

Darby Moezinia

Majors: Urban Planning and Judaic Studies with a concentration in Israel Studies.

FUTURE PLANS: NYU for MA in Real Estate development MAY 2020 | 17

seniorsspeakout

A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE Continued from Page 15

tremendously transformative for my Jewish identity. JR Before college, a lot of people take gap years to expand their Jewish education. How interesting is it that my four years at Binghamton went beyond what I thought possible in my gap year, by expanding my knowledge, nourishing my Jewish soul, and teaching me a new level of how passionate I can be about my Jewish identity? I’m from Atlanta but after my first week at Chabad, I knew I wouldn’t be homesick. Chabad at Binghamton was more than somewhere I spent every Friday night for four years, met all my friends, and a place that introduced me to my role model who has taught me what truly matters; it was home. SZ When I first started at Binghamton, I knew I wanted to be involved in the Jewish life on campus. The first position I was recruited for was to do decor for a major

Shiraz Otani

Majors: Political Science & Judaic Studies FUTURE PLANS: MA in Security Studies at Georgetown University

Benjamin Soleimani

18 | hakesher magazine

event. I worked along with an E-Board member at the time, and we completely re-decorated Chabad.

It was a success, and I ended up working on the decor for so many events.

Hadasa also recruited me early on to be involved on the GNO committee.

Chabad let me be a leader in the Jewish community by being involved with things I'm interested in, and it strengthened my commitment to Judaism. AA Chabad showed me how strong and special the Jewish community is. They showed me that you can travel so many miles away from home and still be able to keep your Judaism so close to you.

Prior to coming to college I was observant of the Jewish holidays, I kept Kosher, and Shabbat meant everything to me. I was so afraid that moving away from home would make all of the things that were important to both me and my family difficult.

However it actually did the

complete opposite. Chabad of Binghamton showed me how special every aspect of Judaism is and how connected you can stay to the community even when you’re not in the comfort of your home. I have had the opportunity to make such a special connection with the Rabbis and Rebbetzins, at Chabad and have learned so much over the past three years from them. I will forever miss all of the Shabbat dinners, Shabbat lunches, JGC meetings, challah bakes, Tuesday night delis, and most important of all, my Chabad family. EH During my time at Binghamton my life completely changed; the way I saw myself and how I viewed the world around me. I have to thank Chabad for being a catalyst in this transformation. The Chabad community has taught me the importance of caring for those around you. Whether it be the Shluchim, the student leaders, or the people I met

along the way, the guidance I received has helped me to become a better version of myself. Next year I will be pursuing a master's degree in Social Work in New York City.

I believe Chabad has given me countless lessons on the ways to help others and give back, and being president was the cherry on top. I am so lucky to have had this experience at Binghamton, thank you to everyone who has supported me on the way! SK Before coming to Binghamton I lived in what we would call the Modern Orthodox Jewish day school "bubble." In college, especially through Chabad, I have learned that there is so much more than just my bubble that I always felt safe in. I was able to expand my horizons, go out of my comfort zone and develop a Jewish identity that is now much stronger than I ever hoped to have. YM Continued on Page 20

Jacob Richman

Ezra Emanuel Rifkin

Major: Cinema FUTURE PLANS: MBA program or an MFA program

Major: English, Minor: Judaic Studies

Major: Judaic Studies, Minor: Education FUTURE PLANS: Medical School

Eve Tilem

Benjamin Chaim Vogel

Max Jacob Weisbrot

Sarah Tehila Zolty

Major: Computer Engineering FUTURE PLANS: Software Developer at IBM in NYC

Major: Human Development FUTURE PLANS: Geriatric social worker with a focus in Alzheimer’s and Dementia care

Major: Psychology Minor: Economics FUTURE PLANS: Research and then clinical or social psychology PhD program

Ally Scharf

Chabad at Binghamton

Major: Economics FUTURE PLANS: Law School

Gabriel Shore

Major: Neuroscience & English

Advice to remaining students regarding Jewish life.

Don't be afraid to get involved. Despite your religious observance or background, there is always a place for you at Chabad.

Reach out to the current leaders, E-Board and G-Board. Ask questions - no question is invalid. Become a part of the Chabad and Jewish life initiatives from your first few semesters so you build a great foundation once you become an upperclassman.

This is the time to explore your passions and beliefs, so don't hold back! These people will become your family. EL Take advantage of everything Chabad and campus has to offer. Join a Chabad committee and get all your friends involved (I loved being a committee head on GNO). Binghamton is everything you make of it.

Join clubs on campus. I was involved in Hapur's Ferry for almost all of college, which helped make my experience at Binghamton even more special. Major in something you actually like. I majored in art, which was the best choice I made academically. The Chabad Rabbis and Rebitzens are truly there for you through the good and bad times. Create relationships with them. After college you won’t find anything like Chabad of Binghamton, so take advantage of it now! AA Lean into new things! HL Cherish every Jewish experience that is available to you in college and take advantage of it. The abundance lessens when you graduate. DB Becoming involved in new activities and clubs is not easy. Its very difficult to put

yourself in an uncomfortable situation. I was very nervous at my first few Chabad events.

However, everyone was so welcoming and wanted to get to know me. My advice to the younger class is to at least give it a try. It is an experience that is different than most because Chabad is not just a Jewish community.

It is a social, intellectual, and philanthropic community.

There are so many ways to get involved in something that is important to you. LF Get involved, even if for one semester. Join the general board, give back to the community. It will give you back so much more than you would think. Don’t look back on this time with regret. Take every and any opportunity that comes your way even if it makes you uncomfortable. ER Take it at your own pace and always make sure you're comfortable. It's easy to feel like you're getting involved in something too fast, especially if that thing is becoming more religious. However, it's totally worth it and Chabad is an amazing place to connect more with your Jewish roots.

KB Play chess while your friends are playing checkers.

Get involved, seek out new opportunities, you make or break yourself. MK Really enjoy and make the most of your college experience. There are so many things to explore and so many hobbies to do that you shouldn't waste a second not doing them. BB Get involved with Chabad.

There are so many ways; whether it is taking a J Learn class, learning with some

of the staff, working at Deli, or just coming every Friday night, you won’t regret it. The Chabad staff are so incredibly welcoming to everyone and truly enhance the college experience of everyone who has a relationship with them.

So whether it is in a big or small way, try to get involved!

EB If you are looking for somewhere to grow as a person and to have somewhere that you can always call home, Chabad is definitely the place for you.

Even if you do not have a strong Jewish background, Chabad will always welcome everybody. BS Get involved as much as you can. There are multiple opportunities within Chabad to be connected as much or as little as you can/feel comfortable with. Chabad has created a space for people to give back and expand their knowledge of Judaism. AC Do not take for granted the opportunities that Chabad offers at Binghamton.

Everyone at Chabad is incredibly accepting and inviting. Shabbat dinners may seem intimidating at first because there are so many people but just introduce yourself to everyone! You will find your people. If you move downtown, go to Chabad downtown. Chabad is doing incredible things to create a meaningful Jewish life for you at Binghamton, and downtown Chabad is just one of those things. I wish I could come together with my friends at Chabad one more time during my last year at Binghamton! DM My first time visiting Binghamton was at orientation.

I had no knowledge of the Jewish life at Binghamton, let alone anything about Chabad.

The first person I met and had the chance to talk to was Rabbi Levi. The warmth that Rabbi Levi showed me eased my nerves as an incoming freshman who didn't even have a rooming assignment or a roommate yet. The whole Chabad community has always unconditionally carried and exuded this warmth and inclusion that I felt the first day I stepped foot in Binghamton. For much of my first year I did not feel like I had a place at this school. However, I looked forward to Friday nights at Shabbat every week, a place where I felt like I fit in. I would not have had the privilege of fostering so many of my friendships that will carry on after college, if it weren't for Chabad. DM Take advantage of any opportunity that comes your way. After every Chabad event I went to I was always happy that I had decided to go. You will never be disappointed when you choose to embrace the Jewish culture at Binghamton. Be open to meeting new people and having new experiences. And never turn down a L'Chaim with Rabbi Levi! JK Jewish life is anything you want it to be - the privilege of having Chabad is that we are given the opportunity to expand and embellish what that experience will be . We can learn from them, be cared for by them, bask in the home of the goodness and teaching that they have worked hard to create for all of us - even those who came in here with the most limited formal Jewish education. Chabad is Continued on Page 21 MAY 2020 | 19

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A SPECIAL HAKESHER GRADUATION FEATURE Continued from Page 18

made me feel connected to Judaism while away at college for 4 years.

Chabad gave me a place to celebrate old traditions and make new ones with my friends. Participating in events through Chabad such as Mega Challah Bake, Fashion for a Cure, and Shabbat 1800, just to name a few, have shaped my college experience and helped me make connections with others based on what we love to do.

I have truly been impacted

by Chabad at Binghamton and thank them for giving me amazing memories and keeping me close to my Jewish identity. JK College is a roller coaster of an experience—many of the students are living away from home for the first time, and they encounter temptations, curiosity, and an array of different emotions.

Chabad is organized to provide consistency, to be a safe haven and a place that enables growth and a connection to one's Jewish identity. It is a place where

hundreds of Jewish students come together and form a tremendously strong community, a large reason I attended Binghamton University. I have been able to rely on Chabad, not only every Shabbos and holiday, but every single day as the "behind-the-scenes" people work tirelessly to provide a home away from home for the students. There is no shortage of resources - aside from the unbelievable Rabbis, Rebbetzins, and leaders, Chabad provides events, Jewish learning classes, and so much more; I have personally been privileged to partake in so many of them.

Chabad has really enabled me to not only continue my Jewish education but to delve deeper into it and learn more about myself. It has cultivated a conducive environment that enables and inspires personal growth, and I sincerely feel blessed to have been a part of it. RN When I first started at Binghamton, I came in not

The most important/surprising/beautiful lesson I learned from Covid virus is‌ to stay connected with the people who bring you joy, make you feel loved, and care about you. HL that the smallest of changes can make the largest differences. GS to just be thankful for the little things. EB that quality time with friends and family is the most important thing in the world. JL that there is a lake right by my house that is beautiful that I never would have noticed if not for being stuck at home with nothing to do. I plan on trying to notice the little beautiful things that would fly under my radar in busier times when this is over.

MW Israelis know how to handle a pandemic. JK 20 | hakesher magazine

knowing too many people, so I immediately went to search for Chabad. One of the reasons that I originally chose Binghamton was because I heard it had such a great Jewish community. I ended up meeting so many of my friends and found a place of comfort at Chabad. Chabad has been a large part of my college experience and has helped me stay connected to the Jewish community throughout my four years.

KA As a freshman, it is always scary embarking on a new journey to college, but Chabad helped make my transition very easy, as it has been like a second home to me since the first Shabbas dinner I attended.

Chabad has strengthened my Jewish identity and has made me even prouder to be a Jew. Through various opportunities with the Jewish Greek Council and the Shabbat Downtown Committee, I have been able to reinforce my Jewish identity and am ready to

take on the real world as a young Jewish woman.

I cannot thank Chabad enough for the wonderful community they have built and all they have done for me in these past four years. I look forward to continuing my relationship and involvement with the Binghamton Chabad community. MK My years in Binghamton have only enhanced my Jewish identity. When I joined SDT I was highly encouraged to get involved in Chabad.

While my sisters made me feel comfortable, I was surprised at how welcoming the Jewish community at Chabad was. It felt like I always belonged. Soon after I became involved in Jewish Greek Council, Toy Drive, and Fashion for a Cure.

I now know I have a home at Chabad a place where I can find family when I am away from my own. I look forward to staying in touch with Judaism because I love how it brings people together for celebration. LF

Mazal Tov Max! We are so proud of your accomplishments and the hard work you put into becoming a Binghamton graduate. While this has been a strange time to graduate and start the next phase of life, we know you will continue to make us proud.

We love you!

Mom, Dad, Emily and Magic

We are so proud of you Evie!

Love, Mommy, Daddy, Leila & Eliana Mazal tov Julia on your graduation.

There are no limits for you!

Continued from Page 19

worth the walk from campus - sit for one Shabbat dinner and you'll see, I promise you.

HG Get involved in as many things as possible in the beginning. This will enable you to meet new people and figure out where you want to leave your mark on campus. Being involved in so many things in the beginning enabled me to realize what was truly important to me and what I wanted to be involved with throughout my years in Binghamton. It also enabled me to benefit from them all in different ways. Just put yourself out there and get involved, it's worth it. BG Get involved in Chabad sooner then later. I wish I had started to get more involved with Chabad when I was an under classmen rather than waiting until I was off campus.

JL There are countless different ways to get involved in Jewish life in Binghamton.

Explore the different options that are offered and do not be afraid to take on a bigger role.

The people I have worked with and became friends with are some of the best people I know. Also, please volunteer in the kitchen on Friday night.

EB

1. Go to Shabbat Dinners 2. Meet Jews 3. Join Greek Life 4. Join GBoards 5. Get paid to take Jewish classes 6.

Intern in Israel 7. Run Jewish Events 8. Take on leadership positions 9. Enjoy every last farbrengen and l’chaim 10.

Make sure to thank those who enabled you to have these opportunities.

more from classes at Chabad than from any teacher at Binghamton, and wish I had more time to soak up the love, warmth and life-altering lessons offered. Binghamton is a special place... I will forever cherish everything I learned and the people I've met through Chabad, and I hope you are able to also. SZ

→ Order can be changed based on preference. JR

Try and get involved as early on in your college career as you can. I know that you may think that you are so busy or have too much else going on, but if you carve out the time in your schedule to go and help out you will feel so accomplished. Being a part of the Chabad community was one of the most special parts of my college life. It is so easy to find your place because there is a place for everyone. Take advantage of how loving and welcoming this community is, because before you know it, it will be your time to go. YM

Get involved with everything you can. It sounds cliche, but these past years have gone by so fast. It can sometimes take time to find what you love and are passionate about, but it's so important to try to find that as soon as you can. Chabad and Hillel have so many incredible opportunities. I started going to Chabad every weekend since the first week at school.

My friends and I wanted to visit other schools, but we never managed to because we never wanted to miss out on our Chabad! How is it possible to find something so amazing that you don't even want to miss one weekend?

Even in my Senior year I found endless opportunities to get involved. Trust me when I tell you you do not want to miss out. Leaving early this year hurt the most because I wasn't ready to part from Chabad. I have learned

Never take any moment for granted. Your years at Binghamton will go by so quick and by the end you will be able to leave there not only with memories, but with a family for life.

Take advantage of every opportunity that comes at you and embrace your Judaism.

Attending Shabbat dinners at Chabad is a great way to

start with getting involved.

I was able to meet so many people over the years and I truly looked forward to every Friday night and hanging out with my “Chabad squad.” EH I have personally seen tremendous value in making connections, developing relationships and grabbing opportunities. While that means something different for everyone, I would encourage lower class persons to try to find the way they can connect; whether it's a Chabad event, a oneon-one session, a group learning class, there are endless amounts of ways to get involved. The years do fly by, so maximize your time by seizing the moments and opportunities; especially if that means you get to step outside your comfort zone. You might even learn something in the process. RN Get involved and go to as many Chabad events as you can! It is a great place to meet people and have a great time.

KA You have a tremendous opportunity at your finger tips to make lifelong friends and grow yourself as an individual.

Capitalize on that, do what you can to be involved and help Chabad and you will be very grateful for everyone there. JK

Congratulations to Danielle Plaue We are so proud of you!

You have achieved so much during the last four years and you did it all with grace, intellect and good humor!

Watch out world here she comes!

Mazel Tov we love you!

Mom, Dad, Noah, Jemma, Ethan and Becca MAY 2020 | 21

PHOTO GRAPHS

Fun. Fun: Fun! GNO Spectacular Spa Night and fabulous

"make your own pizza"; the girls have a ball.

BNO Guys take their games seriously!

Chabad Downtown and JGC were busy!

22 | hakesher magazine

Purim on the (covid) Precipice still managed to be Binghamton Epic!

PHOTO GRAPHS

For a full gallery of pictures of these events and others, please visit: www.JewishBU.com/photos

MAY 2020 | 23

PHOTO GRAPHS

COVID Did Not Stop CHABAD

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Although the "normal" semester was truncated, Chabad's work—and reach—were not.

Offerings included: ■ Scores of classes via Zoom each week open to our current students, alumni and local community members.

■ Guest lecture Zoominars.

■ Brief thoughts for the week on Social Media.

■ Virtual programming which included pre-Shabbos ruach farbrengens, women's tish, challah bakes, a memorial for Idan Greenstein, obm, an end of year celebration, Minyan awards gathering, Eruv appreciation program, and Senior "Wine and Cheese" sendoff.

■ Distribution of hundreds of Shabbat meals to students who remained in Binghamton through the semester.

■ Distribution of hundreds of "Seder to Go kits".

■ Personal counseling.

24 | hakesher magazine

PHOTO GRAPHS

For a full gallery of pictures of these events and others please visit: www.JewishBU.com

MAJOR EVENTS

FASHION for a cure

...another stellar night of education and philanthropy!

Shabbat 2020 Virtual edition

MAY 2020 | 25

PHOTO GRAPHS

Chabad Events

Having a blast at the Upstate Shabbaton

Welcome Back Sushi Soiree

The Camren Vilinsky Beit Midrash Shteigs on

Our annual Mitzvah Minute campaign Tefillin for Yitzi

26 | hakesher magazine

The breathtakingly delicious Babka Bake

AlexAbelSegal ‘12

ONMYMIND

A New Version of Yourself “When you become a mother, you not only give birth to a baby but to a new version of yourself,” my acupuncturist said to me during a session one day about a week before I would have my son. What was a beautiful quote at the time, and something I pondered as I laid there with meditative music and therapeutic needles in my skin, was one that I’m only truly beginning to understand.

On Saturday morning, January 11, 2020, I gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Ezra Yehuda. There is hardly a word to describe the feeling I had when I gave that last push and he was in this world. I was on the hospital bed, lying there in awe, tears rushing down my face, frozen in time at this moment that made my life not just about me anymore. It took nine months for him to come out, but it felt like things changed in an instant.

Growing up, I yearned for the day that I could build my own family—I thought about who my husband would be and what kind of life we would create. After a lot of self-work, I was blessed to meet a kind man who I married and almost two years after that, we were expecting our first baby.

Although there’s no perfect time to get pregnant, I waited until I felt as ready as I could to take on this giant, life-changing event. But no matter how many articles or books you read, how many classes you take, and how many people you talk to, there’s almost no way to describe the moment that the baby inside emerges as a real person, and you emerge as his or her caretaker.

In the days following my son’s birth, I went from a heightened joy and excitement to being completely overwhelmed, to instant tears. I cried at the pain of learning to breastfeed yet at the same time, was in awe of my ability to produce this life-sustaining substance.

Those two days post-birth felt like a crash course in being a mother, where I both learned so much yet felt like I only skimmed the surface.

With the passage of time, I’m happy to say that a lot of the anxiety has subsided, but the awe is just as fresh and ever-changing. I’m totally in love with this little human G-d chose for me to mother, and in complete disbelief at who he has become—from the tiny little spec I first

saw on screen almost a full year ago to a real living baby with his own personality (yes, already!) I’ve never been more tired but I’ve also never been happier as the family I always dreamed of is coming together before my eyes.

My days have gone from running around NYC nonstop to eating breakfast at noon between feedings and 2-hour naps, cozying up with these little hands and feet while giggling at his post-milk smiles and savoring every second of how it feels when he falls asleep on my chest.

If I need to feel G-d’s presence in my life, all I have to do is glance at Ezra.

Each detail feels like an individual expression of Hashem’s love.

When I sit there and nurse him, I gaze in wonder at the baby brushstrokes on the folds of his fingers, his miniature doll-like toenails, each curve of his eyelashes, the orange rims around his pupils that match his father’s, and just know deep in my soul that this had to come from something greater. When I look at the details, I feel the Master at work, an Artist really, at His canvas designing this baby (and millions of others). He put this body and soul together from cells no bigger than a strand of hair—ones that grew from within my own body. Stopping to think of just one part of that process is truly unbelievable, undeniably miraculous and something I’ll never really be able to understand, even if I became the world’s top doctor. There are no full explanations, just magic.

I just met Ezra, yet I feel like I’ve known him forever.

I have a whole new life, one that has the steepest learning curve, but one that I’ve never felt more at peace with. Ezra’s birth really did result in the birth of a new identity for me, one that is growing every day.

MAY 2020 | 27

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420 Murray Hill Road Vestal, NY 13850 Change service requested

The Rohr Chabad Center for Jewish Student Life at Binghamton University 420 Murray Hill Rd. Vestal, NY 13850

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Happy “escapees” gather after the Purim “Escape Room” game.